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Astros ink Gonzalez, Valdez to Minors deals

Astros ink Gonzalez, Valdez to Minors deals

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Gonzalez's solid start 1:25

9/9/12: Edgar Gonzalez tosses five innings of one-run ball, allowing just two hits and striking out six for his second win

By Brian McTaggart
/
MLB.com |

HOUSTON -- The Astros have signed right-handed pitchers Edgar Gonzalez and Jose Valdez to Minor League contracts with invites to Spring Training. They were both outrighted and removed from the 40-man roster on Nov. 1.

Gonzalez, 29, went 3-1 with a 5.04 ERA in six starts for the Astros last season after having his contract purchased from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sept. 3. He has pitched in parts of nine Major League seasons with Arizona (2003-08), Oakland ('09), Colorado ('11) and Houston ('12).

Gonzalez is expected to compete for a spot in the back end of the Astros' rotation. His contract calls for him to make $525,000 if he's on the Major League roster and includes incentives for games pitched.

Valdez, 29, compiled a 2.25 ERA in 12 relief appearances after being a September callup for the Astros last season. He spent the majority of his season with Oklahoma City, where he posted a 4.95 ERA with 21 saves in 46 relief appearances.

Valdez will make $500,000 if he's on the Major League roster, and he has the option of signing with a Japanese club.